Chapter 11
CHAPTER 11
MIA
Mia said, “I think we made a mistake.”
She walked around the bedroom, which was large and grand, decorated like the library, more sugar plantation chic, natural fiber rugs, sepia tones, potted palms, cane chairs, and mahogany. For a moment, Mia imagined that the grand villa belonged to them, and they were on a second honeymoon, just the two of them. They would have flown to the island on their private plane. No cramped commercial flight. No overcrowded, nauseating ferry. And no other guests. No Grace, Chris, Jason, Sarah, or Phil. No risky blackmail plot. Which might not happen now. Because of those damn notes someone had sent Phil.
Alex dropped down into a large cane chair in the corner of the room. “A mistake?”
“We shouldn’t have told the others about Phil having an unfortunate accident,” Mia said. Actually, they hadn’t told the others. The idea had been Alex’s and his alone. But she used inclusive language to assure and affirm her allegiance to him, making sure he knew she was on his side, and always would be.
Nodding, Alex sighed. “I may have been a bit melodramatic, telling them we need to get rid of Phil before he gets rid of us, but I was trying to show them how serious the situation is.”
“Do you think Phil will really try to destroy us?
Alex scoffed, rubbing his chin. “I know he will.”
Mia sighed. “What about the plan?”
“It’s fucked. Out of the question.”
“I was just asking because if Phil has an unfortunate accident, then … “ Mia paused before gathering her nerves, forcing herself to continue. “Then he won’t be around to invest in the firm.”
Alex nodded. “So maybe he shouldn’t have an accident.”
Mia said, “If anything happens to Phil, even if it appears accidental, the others will suspect us.”
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Alex closed his eyes. “What the fuck do we do now?”
“Don’t give up on the plan,” Mia said.
“Blackmailing Phil is off the table,” Alex said. “We lost the upper hand.”
“Maybe not,” Mia said. “You still have the proof of what Phil did. He won’t want that to come out.”
Shaking his head, Alex said, “I don’t know.”
“Just talk to him,” Mia suggested. “Maybe you can come to some kind of agreement. Maybe if he invests in the firm, then you’ll give him what he wants.”
Alex scoffed. “He wants to fucking destroy us.”
Mia moved closer to him. “He wants to know who sent him those notes.”
“You think he gives a shit about those notes?” Alex shook his head. “He wants to ruin us.”
“No, he doesn’t,” Mia said. “Remember, he only said he would ruin us because no one came forward about sending the notes.”
“And if someone had, then … what?” Alex asked. “You think he would have been satisfied with that?”
“Maybe,” Mia said. “You need to go talk to him. Tonight. Don’t wait.”
Alex scowled at her. “And say what?”
“Tell him you know who sent those notes,” Mia said. “Tell him … that it was me.”